Let's talk about GMing style.

Players & GMs sometimes have differing expectations regarding what a #TTRPG is and how the GM will run their games. This happens even among longtime groups, as the preferences of players and GMs can change over time.

#dnd #rpg

Most GMs are some combination of each of these archetypes, and it can change with game system, group composition, mood, session - even age and experience.

I am defining the archetypes thusly, from extreme to extreme: the Director, the Storyteller, the Facilitator, & the Referee.

THE DIRECTOR
This GM has already planned what is going to happen, and players are largely along for the ride. The illusion of choice may or may not feature, but the GM's vision predominates & player actions are secondary. At best, it's a wonderful ride. At worst, it's a railroad.

THE STORYTELLER
This GM foregrounds their preferred narrative, which players are encouraged to follow. The GM tends to prep "scenes" which favor the progression of that narrative, looping PCs back to it when they stray. At best, PC choices drive outcomes & the narrative adjusts.

THE FACILITATOR
This GM may or may not present players w/external adventure hooks, but either way, the GM builds upon the players' interests when prepping adventures. At best, players know that whatever they want to do, the GM will integrate it into the campaign and run with it.

THE REFEREE
This GM sees themselves as a dispassionate arbiter of outcomes. There is usually no larger narrative. They may not even prep, expecting players to create their own adventure hooks. At best, the game feels wide open to any possibility. At worst, it feels aimless.

As I said, most of us who run games are some combination of these four archetypes. Often, it changes with experience, group composition, game system, and other factors. It's helpful to know what your own tendencies are and, particularly, whose fun you are foregrounding.

As others have said before, the GM is also a player, and arguably a player with much more leeway to provide for their own enjoyment, given the effort involved in GMing. After all, if the GM isn't having a good time, nobody is.

That good time, however, shouldn't come at the expense of your players' enjoyment. As with all things group-activity-related, check in with your players frequently to see if they're enjoying themselves. Listen to the feedback. Don't be too proud to adjust to their preferences...

..or too afraid to say no to a request that would make the game less fun for you.

So. Tag yourself - what sort of GM are you?

#ttrpg #dnd #dungeonsanddragons #rpg